Queen 'needs to listen' moving forward says expert

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters.Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer.Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights.You can unsubscribe at any time.

The monarch, 94, spoke of her fascination with space exploits and discussed her meeting with the first man in space – Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin – in 1961. Her Majesty’s appearance at the online gathering comes after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle lashed out at the Royal Family in their interview with Oprah Winfrey, which aired on ITV on Monday.

The couple accused the family of racism and failing to offer adequate support to Meghan when she was struggling with mental health issues.

Experts and schoolchildren joined the Queen in a virtual event to mark British Science Week, showcasing the latest pictures from Nasa’s mission to Mars and classroom rockets made by the pupils.

An image of the Winchcombe meteorite that recently fell to earth in the Gloucestershire town of the same name was shown to the Queen, who said: “I’m glad it didn’t hit anyone.”

She also discussed her meetin with Mr Gagarin soon after his historic mission in the early Sixties.

When she was asked during the video call what he was like, she made everyone laugh by replying: “Russian.”

She explained he did not speak English but found the meeting fascinating.

She added: “It was very interesting to meet him, and I suppose being the first one, it was particularly fascinating.”

Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a scientist and co-presenter on the BBC’s The Sky At Night programme, said of Mr Gagarin: “It must have been very terrifying to be the first one, and not really knowing what was going to happen.”

The Queen quipped: “Well, yes – and if you could come back again. That’s very important.”

Following his successful space mission, Mr Gagarin went on a global tour.

In April 1961 the Queen invited him for lunch at Buckingham Palace.

Following her video call with the monarch, Dr Aderin-Pocock, praised the royal’s sense of humour.

DON’T MISS
Queen and Harry face sensational showdown in days [INSIGHT]
Queen ‘subtle and tactful’ in response to Meghan claims [ANALYSIS]
Prince Philip: Duke prepares to spend fourth weekend in hospital [EXPLAINED]

She said: “When I mentioned Yuri Gagarin to her I couldn’t believe her answer.

“It was not what I expected, she made us all laugh.

“She has a wonderful sense of humour and it makes you realise, given the fact that he died in 1968, how long she has been our monarch.

“She is living history, in fact.”

More to follow….

Source: Read Full Article